Seasonal population dynamics of the non-native Caprella mutica (Crustacea, Amphipoda) on the west coast of Scotland

Abstract

Abstract. Information on the life history and population dynamics of non-native species is essential to understand the process of invasion and impacts on invaded ecosystems. The non-native marine caprellid amphipod Caprella mutica has successfully established populations on coastlines throughout the temperate northern hemisphere and in New Zealand in the southern hemisphere. The introduction mechanism has been surpassed and it is now important to understand its ecology and biology in non-native habitats. The seasonal population dynamics of C. mutica were investigated over 18 months at four sites with different levels of anthropogenic disturbance on the west coast of Scotland. Abundance of C. mutica fluctuated seasonally at all sites, peaking during June to October. The highest abundance recorded on a single mesh collector was 319 000 individuals m À2 in August 2004 at one of the fish farms. Both seasonal and site-specific factors influenced the population dynamics of C. mutica. Both males and females were significantly larger and more abundant at the fish farm sites. Individuals displayed reproductive characteristics at a smaller size at the fish farm sites, indicating earlier maturity. The results suggest that anthropogenic disturbance and artificial resource enhancement contribute to the global establishment success of non-native C. mutica.

Spreading and Establishment of the Non Indigenous Species Caprella scaura (Amphipoda: Caprellidae) in the Central Region of the Aegean Sea (Eastern Mediterranean Sea)

“…First, the species need to be transported from their original area to a new location, in which case ballast water, fouling of the hull from commercial vessels and aquaculture are generally considered the main vectors responsible for NIS movement across the oceans [2,[6][7][8][9]. The second step requires a potential recipient community where the transported species will settle and start their expansion in their new "home", in which case recreational marinas, harbors and off-coast aquaculture facilities and equipment provide the adequate substrate for NIS to establish and thrive [10][11][12][13][14][15]. However, the most important factor that facilitates a successful invasion is the ability of NIS to actually survive, both during the transportation and after their relocation to the new area, which usually involves living through rather unfavorable conditions [5].…”

Towards Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture: Lessons from Caprellids (Crustacea: Amphipoda)

“…This would explain the reason that the highest population densities for caprellids have been recorded in substrates of aquaculture facilities (see [ 4 ] for details). On the west coast of Scotland, densities of 319 000 ind/m 2 have been reported for Caprella mutica in a fish farm [ 74 ]. In Ireland and Scotland, C .…”

“…In Ireland and Scotland, C . mutica exhibits greater fecundity and abundance, size and population longevity at fish farm locations, with these results being attributed to organic enrichment from the fish farms [ 74 , 75 , 76 ]. The present study confirms experimentally that detritus in the form of fish faeces is an adequate feed, although also provides evidence that caprellids must have access to a source of TAG, PC and MUFA during the first stages of their life histories.…”

Unravelling the origin and introduction pattern of the tropical species Paracaprella pusilla Mayer, 1890 (Crustacea, Amphipoda, Caprellidae) in temperate European waters: first molecular insights from a spatial and temporal perspective

“…In the Mediterranean Sea and nearby areas, they account nearly 20% of all reported NIS (Zenetos et al 2012;Ulman et al 2017). Within crustaceans, caprellid amphipods associated with fouling communities of artificial habitats are considered as prime candidates for introduction and establishment in regions where they are not native (Ashton et al 2010;Ros et al 2016a). The great abundances that some caprellids attain in these communities and their ability to survive on floating objects and vessel hulls (Thiel et al 2003;Ashton et al 2010) make them good models for understanding marine introductions and invasions.…”

“…Within crustaceans, caprellid amphipods associated with fouling communities of artificial habitats are considered as prime candidates for introduction and establishment in regions where they are not native (Ashton et al 2010;Ros et al 2016a). The great abundances that some caprellids attain in these communities and their ability to survive on floating objects and vessel hulls (Thiel et al 2003;Ashton et al 2010) make them good models for understanding marine introductions and invasions. Thus, the number of introduced species belonging to this group have been documented worldwide with increasing frequency (e.g.…”